Clean-Looking Gentlemen's Folders

N

N Gremory

Joined
Oct 21, 2013
Messages
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I got some more work (and thus some more knife funds), and now feel the 'need' to buy another folder! :D
I've somewhat recently purchased a Lg. Sebenza 21 with Bocote inlays, then a Swamp Rat RatManDu CG.
When browsing the forum, I always come across this one particular style of folders that I cannot name.
They're clean, often thin and most definitely not wide.

I always have the hardest time trying to find examples, when I need them.
However, some of the knives I am talking about include..

Spyderco Nilakka (Especially from that side)
Benchmade Shoki 480-1 CF
I like the William Henry B10 Lancet "Vanguard", as well.
(Another Picture)

Not the best examples, but close, nonetheless.
For some, I suppose it would fit their definition of "gentleman's knife"?

Any other quality knives with similar designs out on the market?
 
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What about the Spyderco Gayle Bradley Air?

Also, these sorts of knives tend to be called "gentlemen's folders". Smallish, slim, clean designs with high end materials.
 
Ah, so that is what they were called.
I like the Gayle Bradley Air's blade and materials. I will definitely add that to the list of possible buys.
Thank you.
 
There are several makers in the custom folder F/S subforum that seem to do a lot of this style of folder. You might browse the offerings there and see if anything strikes your fancy. Ray Laconico is one name that comes to mind, but I know there are others. I've seen their work advertised here.
 
The Spyderco Nilakka reminds me of an EnZo Birk 75. Having said that, you absolutely cannot go wrong with a William Henry.
 
Try Mcusta:

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Kershaw Speedform 2
Benchmade Barrage
Kershaw Leek
Spyderco Centofante Memory
 
I like my Nilakka a lot. Just don't expect a hard use knife. And it has to be stropped a lot initially until you get into the meatier portion of the blade.
 
I always liked the BM 581 Barrage, but it didn't seem to fit the style of knife that I was going for. It's still on my list, for later on, though. I've been dying to try out some of BM's M390, though I've heard a lot of negative things about BM's bevels being quite uneven and at times hardly sharp? Still want to give it a try, though. (And remove the assist)

K.O.D., how often would you say that it needs to be stropped until that does happen? I have a couple knives for hard use, but does it need it often under "normal" use?
Shorttime, that's a Mcusta Take, right? The first picture I saw (when I was looking at some Mcustas) made me really dislike the handle. However, that picture and some of the others that I found on the net look pretty appealing. The Gentleman's series looks really nice, though. Come to think of it, a lot of them have really nice designs to them. What's your opinion on the damascus steel that they use?
 
I quite enjoy my CRKT Eros, though it would seem, on paper, inferior to those you have listed. Even so, with the nicely milled titanium frame lock and very sleek blade, I couldn't find a single issue with fit/finish on the knife I got. Plus, you get an extremely light knife with a 3" blade that is a very fun and fast (moreso than my Kershaw Leeks spring assisted) flipper.

Image
 
I'll jump on board the Eros bandwagon. In fact, I've got one in my pocket right now. Sweet little blade and light as a feather. :)
 
The CRKT Eros is an amazing little flipper that I use when exercising. Weighs nothing and doesn't rust with the sweat and humidity. About $130.

The EnZo Birk 75 is also very nice. I have the D2 with CF one with scandi grind. About $100.

The Benchmade 482 Megumi is also nice but the Nak-Lok is not the strongest lock.

Spyderco Air by Gayle Bradley has a killer M4 blade. Very nice.

William Henry Atlas B12 and EDC E-6 & EDC E-10 are all very nice.

There's also the CRK Mnandi which is classy.
 
The Spyderco Nilakka is great, but too large and bulky to be considered a gentleman's folder.
 
That Bradley looks so similar to a Sebenza, there may be threads on the forum for this already but how have there not been copy right battles over the two designs? I would think there would be a claim to the anodized blue thumb stud.
 
Any of the Spyderco Kopa knives, which are no longer being made, are outstanding examples of Gentlemanly knives. I am carrying a Kopa Gold Lip Pearl, at the moment, as it is one of my few knives that meet the "now being enforced" gov't limit of 2.5" blade. It really is a sweet folder, with lazer sharp VG-10, and the pearl is just spellbinding in it's beauty. If I didn't have this one, I'd be looking for the Carbon Fiber version, or the one with mixed pearl pieces.

Similar shape, the Caly III in carbon fiber and ZDP-189 would be an ideal, as well.

More like the one's you are listing, if the Spyder Hole doesn't appeal and wanting something "pointy-er", is a little known knife I bought on sale: Timberline Tim Herman Wall Street Tactical. It has no clip, but comes with a pocket pouch, and is smooth as glass. China-made, but well put together.
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